In the past several decades, Ireland has transformed itself from a bitterly divided, introverted, protectionist state to one of the "brighter stars" of the European Union.  In today's new generation Ireland is a land steep in tradition, but with her face firmly set towards the future.  The Irish themselves were becoming increasingly well-educated, well-travelled, and cultured, easily the equal of their British and American counterparts.  The Irish quality of life has steadily improved to the point where there are now many people emigrating to Ireland than leaving.

Ireland host two independent countries; the Southern Ireland which is the Republic of Ireland and the capital city is "Dublin" and the Northern Ireland which is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and the capital city is "Belfast".   Both the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Ireland are very clean, friendly, well-managed countries  where tourism and the tourist are taken seriously.  Relations between the two countries have also improved more steadily, to the point where safety is no longer an issue, except in isolated sections of some of the larger cities, but this is typical of any Western country.  In so many ways, Ireland is the ideal tourist destination, particularly for those who are interested in Celtic tradition, history, and ancient mysteries.